Bible Dictionary
Gaius
Gaius was the name of several New Testament believers, including companions of Paul from Macedonia and Derbe, Paul’s host at Corinth, and the Christian addressed in John’s Third Epistle.
Definition
Gaius was a personal name borne by several Christians associated with Paul and John. The New Testament mentions Gaius of Macedonia, Gaius of Derbe, Gaius who hosted Paul, Gaius whom Paul baptized, and Gaius addressed in the Third Epistle of John.
Biblical Usage
Gaius of Macedonia accompanied Paul and was seized during the riot at Ephesus. Gaius of Derbe traveled with Paul toward Asia. Another Gaius hosted Paul at Corinth and joined his greetings, while the Gaius of 3 John was beloved, walked in the truth, and faithfully served fellow believers.
Historical Background
The sources distinguish several men rather than requiring all references to describe one person. Gaius was also the Roman form of the name Caius.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(1.) A Macedonian, Paul’s fellow-traveller, and his host at Corinth when he wrote his Epistle to the Romans (16:23). He with his household were baptized by Paul (1 Cor. 1:14). During a heathen outbreak against Paul at Ephesus the mob seized Gaius and Aristarchus because they could not find Paul, and rushed with them into the theatre. Some have identified this Gaius with No. (2). (2.) A man of Derbe who accompanied Paul into Asia on his last journey to Jerusalem (3.) A Christain of Asia Minor to whom John addressed his third epistle (3 John 1:1).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
or Cai’us (lord)—
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ga'-yus (Gaios; Westcott and Hort, The New Testament in Greek, Gaios):</p><p>(1) The Gaius to whom 3 Joh is addressed. He is spoken of as "the beloved" (3 Joh 1:1,2,5,11), "walking in the truth" (3 Joh 1:3,4), and doing "a faithful work" "toward them that are brethren and strangers withal" (3 Joh 1:5,6). He has been identified by some with the Gaius mentioned in the Apostolical Constitutions (VII, 46), as having been appointed bishop of Pergamum by John.</p><p>(2) Gaius of Macedonia, a "companion in travel" of Paul (Ac 19:29). He was one of those who were seized by Demetrius and the other silversmiths in the riot at Ephesus, during Paul's third missionary journey.</p><p>(3) Gaius of Derbe, who was among those who accompanied Paul from Greece "as far as Asia," during his third missionary journey (Ac 20:4). In the corresponding list given in the "Contendings of Paul" (compare Budge, Contendings of the Twelve Apostles, II, 592), the name of this Gaius is given as "Gallius."</p><p>(4) Gaius, the host of Paul when he wrote the Epistle to the Roman, and who joined in sending his salutations (Ro 16:23). As Paul wrote this epistle from Corinth, it is probable that this Gaius is identical with (5).</p><p>(5) Gaius, whom Paul baptized at Corinth (1Co 1:14).</p><p>C. M. Kerr</p>